1.123 The ACA is rich in churches and ecclesiastical buildings of different denominations and many different architectural styles, reflecting the religious, social, and physical expansion of the area over time. These range from the 18th century Ursuline Convent and T-plan chapel designed by Rev Michael Augustine Riordan, St. Michael’s Church of Ireland Church designed by the Pain Brothers to St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church designed by James Rupert Boyd Barrett and commissioned by Bishop Lucey of Cork in 1960. Blackrock Castle sits on the most eastern boundary and is a landmark riverside 19th century building.
Building Typology
1.121 Predominantly residential in feel, with the
exception of the village centres and a selection of ecclesiastical and educational buildings centred mainly on Blackrock village, the ACA has a rich stock of buildings dating from the 18th to 20th century, whether domestic, commercial or religious. 1.122 The residential buildings which make up most of the area are built of brick or stone, usually rendered to varying finishes i.e., smooth or roughcast. Where dwellings retain original elevational features, they have roofs of natural slate with terracotta ridge tiles and redbrick chimney stacks with clay chimney pots, stone sills, and fine joinery especially of door cases and fenestration. Also of note are the boundary treatments of these residential dwellings featuring ashlar walls or smooth render walls with limestone coping, often surmounted by cast-iron railings and some with pedestrian cast-iron gates and many with original engraved limestone plaques. Castle Road also features limestone kerbing which is an important feature to protect and retain. Interestingly, the modernist suburban housing of Dundanion Court offers a sharp contrast to the original historic dwellings as well as the various infill developments that have occurred over the years. It is under this merit that it should be protected as it represents the evolution of mid-20th century suburban housing.
Issues
1.124 The area has a wide range of housing types and local facilities including shops, schools and churches. However, the area is under increasing traffic pressure, has difficulties with parking as well as pedestrian and cyclist safety, and has poor public realm especially in Ballintemple and Blackrock villages which detracts from its amenity for residents and local businesses. It is important that the condition and character of the existing building stock be maintained as well as the integrity of the streetscape and the riverside landscape.
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Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022-2028
Volume 3 I Part 1
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